For parents, the MYP (Middle Years Programme), which corresponds to the middle school years (approx. Grades 6-10) in international schools, can often seem like the most difficult-to-understand program.
- "Does the inquiry-based learning of the PYP continue, or does the academic work suddenly become much harder?"
- "Why doesn't scoring 100 on a test result in a grade of '7' (the highest score)?"
- "Compared to the IGCSE (British system), which one is more advantageous for university admissions?"
The MYP is often misunderstood as a time for a 'middle years slump,' but in reality, it is a critically important period of 'academic inquiry' that cultivates the thinking skills necessary for success in the Diploma Programme (DP).
In this article, we will explain the MYP's curriculum structure, its unique assessment criteria, and compare it with the IGCSE, based on the latest data.
1. The Structure of the MYP Curriculum: 8 Subject Groups and 'Global Contexts'
While the PYP was 'transdisciplinary' and centered around six themes, the MYP is divided into eight more specialized subject groups.
- Language and Literature (mother tongue)
- Language Acquisition (second language)
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts
- Physical and Health Education
- Design
'Global Contexts': Connecting the Subjects
Although the subjects become more specialized, the 'connectedness' characteristic of the IB does not disappear.
In the MYP, students connect each subject to the real world through the lens of 'Global Contexts'.
- Example: Mathematics (Statistics) × Global Context (Fairness and development)
Instead of simply solving calculation drills, students tackle tasks like, "Analyze global poverty data and mathematically demonstrate the causes of inequality."
This elevates learning beyond just 'Facts' to a more advanced level of understanding 'Concepts'.
2. Why Isn't a Perfect Score a '7'? Unpacking the Complex Assessment Criteria
The aspect of the MYP that parents often find most confusing is its assessment method.
The MYP does not use a '0-100 point' scale. Instead, each subject has four assessment criteria (Criteria A-D), each scored out of a maximum of 8 points (the total of 32 is then converted to a final grade from 1-7).
[Diagram] Example of Mathematics Assessment Criteria
The rigor of the MYP lies in the fact that 'getting the right answer' is not enough.
Criteria | What is being assessed? (Example from Mathematics) |
A: Knowing and understanding | Can the student use formulas to calculate correctly? (This is what is typically assessed in a paper-based test.) |
B: Investigating patterns | Can the student independently identify mathematical rules or patterns in complex problems? |
C: Communicating | Can the student use mathematical symbols and language to clearly explain their solution and logical process to others? |
D: Applying mathematics in real-life contexts | Can the student use mathematics to solve real-world problems (e.g., calculating the construction cost of a bridge)? |
As you can see, calculation skills (Criterion A) only account for one-quarter of the total assessment.
Without the ability to logically explain how they arrived at an answer (Criterion C) and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts (Criterion D), a student's grade will not improve, no matter how fast they can calculate.
This is why the MYP is known as the 'preparatory period for the DP.' In the DP's final exams and Internal Assessments, it is precisely this 'ability to explain logically' that determines success.
3. MYP vs. IGCSE: Which is More Advantageous for Progressing to the DP?
As curricula for the same age group (14-16 years), the MYP is often compared to the British system's IGCSE.
Neither is inherently superior, but there are clear differences when it comes to 'transitioning to the IB Diploma Programme (DP)'.
Aspect | MYP (IB Middle Years) | IGCSE (British System) |
Learning Style | Inquiry and process-oriented. Focuses on reports and presentations, constantly asking 'Why?' | Knowledge and exam-oriented. Follows a defined syllabus with the goal of achieving high scores on final exams. |
Assessment Method | Rubric-based assessment using the four criteria (often essay-based). | Results are based entirely on external standardized exams (paper-based tests). |
Transition to DP | ◎ Very smooth. Students are already equipped with the 'inquiry skills' and 'report writing abilities' required in the DP, making it easier to aim for high scores. | △ Adjustment required. Students may struggle to adapt from rote learning to the DP's inquiry-based approach (though their foundational knowledge is often very strong). |
Statistically, research shows that students who complete the MYP have higher pass rates and average scores in the DP compared to those who do not.
If the goal is the DP, following the MYP route to become accustomed to the IB way of thinking (criteria-based thinking) from an early stage is a logical choice.
https://www.eltschool.jp/column/british-curriculum-alevel-igcse-guide
4. The Culminating 'Personal Project': A 15-Year-Old's Capstone Thesis
In the final year of the MYP (Grade 10), the 'Personal Project', an individual inquiry-based activity, is a mandatory requirement.
- Content: Students choose their own topic, set goals, and over several months, create a product or outcome and compile a report on the process.
- Examples: 'Launching a sustainable fashion brand,' 'Developing an app to help prevent dementia,' etc.
This is not just a simple independent study. It serves as a precursor to the DP's 'Extended Essay' and becomes a powerful tool for 'self-promotion (extracurricular achievement)' in university applications.
Demonstrating the 'ability to autonomously complete a project' here brings success in the DP much closer.
5. Conclusion: Mastering 'Academic English' is the Key to DP Success
Far from being a 'slump,' the MYP is a demanding and crucial period for honing the weapons (thinking and writing skills) needed to succeed in the DP.
However, to achieve high scores under its unique assessment criteria (especially Criteria C and D), a high level of academic English proficiency, beyond conversational fluency, is essential.
- Struggling to logically explain a mathematical solution in English.
- Writing poorly structured reports that don't earn high marks.
Moving on to the DP with these challenges can lead to difficulties in keeping up with classes.
How ELT Can Support You
At ELT, we specialize in supporting MYP students to improve their grades and prepare for the DP.
- Criteria-focused Support: We analyze the assessment criteria (rubrics) for each subject and teach students how to write reports that meet these standards.
- English for STEM Subjects: We provide training to 'think and explain in English' to meet the demands of Criteria B, C, and D in Math and Science.
- Personal Project Mentoring: Our native-speaking instructors provide one-on-one guidance from topic selection to the final report writing.
